Monday, March 8, 2010

Prague and Budapest

I work at a college. In a few days many of my colleagues and students will be heading off to enjoy spring break. One co-worker is going to Hawaii. Another is going to the United Emirates. Many are going to Florida or Texas.

If I could choose a place to go, I would go to Prague. Yes. You read this right. Prague.



Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. This map is hard to read. See Germany and Poland? Look down. There it is. (Click on the photo and it will enlarge the picture.)



This city has about 1.7 million people. If this city were in the United States, it would be the 5th largest city behind New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Prague is one of the most historic cities in the world.



If I went there in the spring, I could see tulips like this in front of Wenceslas Square and the National Museum.



Or I could walk across the Charles Bridge -- named after a 14th century king.



As long as I was in Prague, I could take the train to Budapest.



This is another incredible city - over 1.2 million people live in this region (about the size of Dallas or San Diego).



And when I was in Budapest, I would go to the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. This building was built in 1907. It is sort of like Carnegie Hall.



And then I could go inside and sit down in this majestic hall.



And maybe I could watch Mária Kovalszki play one of my favorite piano pieces, Clair de Lune.



Never hurts to dream, does it?

Thanks for stopping by.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Prague is a beautiful city! The architecture is amazing; in the "square" there is a clock on the outside of a building (a church maybe?) that has been working since the 1400s. Lots of gorgeous scenery and rich history, and we even got to take a boat cruise on the river (including going under the Charles Bridge).

Pauline said...

There are so many beautiful places in the world - where would you go next?

Travel is on my bucket list. Adding Prague to the itinerary.

Hilary said...

I think you should go. It would be the trip of a life time to what's reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Brenda said...

I will have to show this post to my husband. His mother's side is from Prague. I am sure he would love to go there also.

Marge said...

Oh, I don't think you're crazy at all! I, too, would love to go to Prague. The architecture and the history fascinate me.

And no, it doesn't hurt to dream!

RWV said...

Thank you Russell. My wife Brenda made me aware of this post. You did a beautiful job of taking us on an imagined journey, one that would have special significance for me also. My paternal grandmother's family was from just south of there and I'm sure they visited many times. Also, being a Mozart admirer, I would want to visit the places that are still preserved in which he premiered several of his later works. He loved Prague. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

I became interested in Prague years ago when I discovered that I have an ancestor from there. My love of genealogy and history go hand in hand. The pictures you posted are beautiful! I want to go also.

Barbara said...

I arrived in Prague on the day Teddy Kennedy's Chappaquiddick escapade broke. At that time it was still a Communist country with an active black market. I'm sure things are much freer there today. It's always been a lovely city.

Jo said...

I had no idea Prague was so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

No, it never does hurt to dream. Enjoy your dreamy day.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal